Start with the right source photo
Photos with direct light, reflective surfaces, casual poses or a little background darkness tend to respond well. A perfectly even studio image can still work, but it may need more restraint so the edit does not become a costume.
Avoid choosing a photo only because it is technically sharp. The strongest 2000s references often feel immediate: a friend turning toward the camera, a bright hallway or a quick street snapshot.
Build the camera feeling in layers
Begin with the Digital Camera or CCD preset. Increase contrast slightly, keep saturation moderate and look at the highlights around faces or reflective objects. The goal is not to make the entire frame neon; it is to create a believable compact-camera response.
A date stamp, a simple LCD frame or a little visible grain can be added after the main color decision. Add only one or two supporting details. Too many overlays make the photo look like a template.
Keep the edit readable
Use the Before/After control to check whether the original subject is still doing the work. If the effect hides skin texture or turns dark areas into a flat block, pull the intensity back. A convincing edit leaves enough of the original image visible to feel like a real photo.
For a portrait, try a closer crop such as 4:5. For a story or phone wallpaper, 9:16 can make the camera framing feel more current while the color language stays retro.